YouTube reportedly looking to add audiobooks to Premium at no extra cost

YouTube is reportedly exploring an audiobook feature that could give Premium subscribers access to books without an additional charge.

The Google-owned platform has been expanding its subscription offerings throughout 2026, even as customers face higher bills. In June, US Premium prices increased to $15.99 a month for individuals and $26.99 for families.

Now, another potential addition could give subscribers something new to listen to alongside music and podcasts.

YouTube reportedly discussing audiobook feature with publishers

According to Android Authority, citing The Wall Street Journal, Google has been holding discussions with publishers about bringing an official audiobook offering to YouTube.

The feature could arrive in 2027, with the company considering including access in YouTube Premium at no extra cost. However, the details remain unsettled, including whether some titles would require separate purchases.

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An audiobook catalog would bring YouTube into more direct competition with Spotify and Amazon’s Audible. Google already sells audiobooks through Play Books, although customers purchase those titles individually.

The potential addition follows another subscription expansion announced in July, when YouTube revealed plans to bundle Peacock Premium with eligible US memberships. That offering includes Peacock’s ad-supported tier, with further launch details promised for eligible subscribers.

For audiobooks, questions remain about how the feature would work, which publishers would participate, and whether free users could purchase titles without subscribing.

The discussions also come after Premium prices rose across parts of Europe and Asia in August, following the earlier US increases.

YouTube has not announced an audiobook launch date or confirmed the subscription benefit. For now, access to books remains a potential addition to Premium rather than a guaranteed perk.